Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Gift From the Dogs
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Guinean Weddings
Monday, March 15, 2010
Boils
Never get a boil! Ever!!! For about a month I’ve had from one to three boils on my armpit, which all culminated in one of the most painful experiences I can remember. At first they look like a pimple, but they keep growing. The larger they get the more sensitive they become. When the pressure becomes too much the head bursts. From then on it’s pus and blood. The good part about this stage is that the pressure – and therefore the pain – slowly recedes. This picture Fred and me was taken after dealing with the last and worst of them. Enough about this, it’s probably more than you wanted to know anyway…
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Internet
The internet has been down in the whole Fria region for a couple weeks and I have no idea when it's going to be back. The pictures here are of Uncle Marc, Auntie Cathy, Alexandria, Becca, and me in Conakry. We took a taxi here today just for this since we all had things we needed to do online. I'll try to keep updating this blog and responding to emails but it really depends on whether or not the internet comes back or not.
The Church
The last couple pictures I posted were of the place where church members gather for most things except the church service on Sabbath mornings. Here are a few pictures of the “real” church. As you might remember it is about an hour’s walk from where I live so catching a glimpse of the church down the road is a welcome sight. Right now we’re in the middle of the dry season in West Africa and approaching the hottest time of year, which is why there isn’t much living outside.
Like many buildings in Fria a wall surrounds the church. Judging from the perspective of a Westerner the church grounds may not look very well maintained; however, to a Guinean nothing more would be expected. In the rainy season all growth is kept clear of paths and from around the building while in the dry season the dead grass is cut down and burned.
Looking at the middle photo, the sanctuary occupies most of the octagonal form while the two classrooms are attached to the rear of the building. In the background, beyond the porch, you can see the bathrooms. They have no running water or toilet paper, just a squat pot with a bucket of water to wash up with. In the foreground you can see the baptistery. The water is typically has a lot growing in it so before each baptism it has to be cleaned.
As it is on the outside, the inside of the church is very simple. A couple months ago it was even simpler: the flowers up front, a clock in the back, tiling on the podium, and the benches with backrests are all new additions. Though to some eyes the sanctuary may seem sparse, nothing more is needed and everything that is present is used and appreciated.
During the sermon the congregation is divided into three groups based on language. In the center are those who want to listen directly from the pastor (pictured standing in front in the blue shirt) in French. On the right are those who want to hear it translated into Susu. (The translator can be seen standing up front on the right side.) On the left side (not seen in the photo) are those who want to hear it translated into English. There are usually similar numbers of people in each group.
From the long walks to and from church, the simplicity of the surroundings there, the various languages, and countless other small things Sabbath is a very different experience here. I have learned to appreciate my “Sabbath experience” in Guinea and expect that when I return home I will appreciate it there in a whole different light.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The Other Church
Each week the Fria church has a Bible study, prayer meeting, choir practice and vespers that are all held on the front porch of “the other church.” This place actually was used as the church before the new one was built outside of town. Looking at the picture above you can see that it is actually a house; currently a family, who are members of the church, lives there. The front room (which extends the length of the porch) has been enlarged to allow it to serve as a small sanctuary. Because the house is in town it is a lot more convenient to meet there, which is why the new sanctuary is generally only used on Sabbath morning.
On Friday evening, the first day of the new year, the church had a special communion service and agape feast to bring in the new year. This was a wonderful time of reflection on the blessings of the past year and starting out the new one on the right foot. About forty people, members and non-members, filled the old sanctuary and took part in the service. As I took part and reflected on the year I couldn’t help but see God’s leading in my life quite distinctly. As I see His hand at work in my life more and more my faith in Him is growing more and more. It is a joy and a privilege to serve a living God who plays an active role in my life.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving in Guinea
After breakfast a group of us went for a walk down to the river. In the picture above is (from left to right) Alexandria, Becca, Emmanuel, myself and Fred. After the hike we returned to the house to start cooking once again. I was in charge of preparing a vegetable platter and 6 kilos (over 13 pounds!) of mashed potatoes. The picture above shows Patricia looking over the table of food.
It really didn’t feel like Thanksgiving at all until I filled my plate. Thanksgiving dinner was delicious – and completely vegan! Auntie Cathy is a great cook and really knows how to prepare food with the limits of what is available in Guinea, and vegan on top of that.